We are inviting applications for a 3-year PhD studentship in palliative and end of life care in care homes, starting in April or October 2020. Deadline for applications is 6th Jan 2020. Apply here!
Applications are invited for a 3-year PhD studentship starting in April or October 2020 in the Primary Care Unit of the Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge. The student will be supervised by Dr Stephen Barclay (Palliative and End-of-Life Care Group) http://www.phpc.cam.ac.uk/pcu/research/research-groups/end-of-life-care/ and Dr Robbie Duschinsky (Applied Social Science Group) https://www.phpc.cam.ac.uk/pcu/research/research-groups/applied-social-science-group/
The care of people living in care homes towards the end of their lives is an increasingly important area for clinical practice, research and policy. There are more than 3 times as many care home beds than acute hospital beds; nationally 22% of deaths occur in care homes. This research is anticipated to influence clinical practice across the UK and to inform future national policy.
The studentship is funded by St Luke’s Hospice in North West London, whose Medical Director, Dr Charles Daniels, is working with local stakeholders to optimise end-of-life care for care home residents. The student will evaluate the work of local GPs, community services, care homes, community palliative care teams, and other integrated services in optimising end-of-life care for care home residents and their families.
The student will undertake research that is planned to include: systematic literature review of initiatives to optimise end-of-life care in care homes; quantitative survey of current care provision; qualitative study of local initiatives to optimise care that is now part the GP contract https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/the-framework-for-enhanced-health-in-care-homes/. Additional research may be developed in discussion with the supervisors.
The student will be well supported in their development, receiving regular academic supervision. They will be able to choose a bespoke set of courses at Cambridge to develop their skills and knowledge. They will work with research colleagues within the Palliative and End-of-Life Care Group, the Applied Social Sciences Group and the wider Department, a warm and collegiate environment for pursuing research in the challenging area of end-of-life care.
Candidates will have a degree in a relevant discipline: a research Master’s degree and work experience relevant to care homes would both advantageous, but are not requirements. Candidates must meet the University of Cambridge entrance requirements: see http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/entry-requirements.
The studentship has a stipend of £16,000 per year for three years. This studentship will only cover UK/EU level University fees.
Applicants can have degrees from any relevant discipline: social science, psychology, history, nursing, medicine, social work or other related subjects. This role requires an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check: any offer we make will be conditional upon the satisfactory completion of this check; whether an outcome is satisfactory will be determined by the University. The nature of this role means that the successful candidate will also need to undergo a health assessment.
We welcome informal conversations about this post: please contact Dr Stephen Barclay at sigb2@medschl.cam.ac.uk or his PA Angela Harper ah523@medschl.cam.ac.uk 01223 746505.
To apply please complete the University GRADSAF application form https://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/how-do-i-apply – then click on Course Directory and choose Public Health & Primary Care – PhD
Applications close on 6th January 2020.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview in Cambridge in late January 2020
With your application please upload: (i) A letter outlining your suitability, why you are interested in a PhD in this area, your background and research interests. (ii) Your CV, stating your citizenship and years of residence in the UK. (iii) Your academic transcripts. (iv) Details of two academic referees.
Please quote reference RH21517 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.